When you think of soccer, you may think of people running around a large court kicking a ball. However, understand that soccer is an extremely complex sport that requires determination and knowledge to succeed in being a great player. If you would like to learn more about the game of soccer, continue reading this article.

It is against the rules to use any part of your hands or arms, from shoulder to fingertips, to control a soccer ball that is in play. You can use your feet, knees, thighs, stomach, chest and head. Be careful though. A head shot can hurt and you cannot control the ball well with your knees.

If you are trying to shield the ball in the game, and you notice open space, do not be afraid to move toward it. Push the ball with the inside of your food. Doing so will allow for the most control. As you get better, you will find that you can cut back and forth with the ball, switching from the inside to the outside of your foot.

If you love playing soccer but miss it during the off-season, you might like joining an indoor soccer team. Indoor soccer is played on a smaller field in an arena type setting and with less players. The indoor field allows games to be played despite whatever the weather might be.

It is necessary for you wear the right shoes when you are out on the soccer field. You can’t wear football cleats or tennis shoes. By wearing the wrong shoes, you may hurt yourself or others.

Talk with your teammates during a game. Nothing is worse than miscommunicating a play to your team that results in the other team getting the ball. If you are concerned that the other team may find out what play you will be using, set up code names for your different plays.

Three miles should be run every day if you’d like to be in shape cardiovascular wise. Your cardiovascular system needs to be in shape since you have to run a lot when playing soccer. You can build your stamina and endurance by running on a daily basis for at least three miles. To keep your routine from become boring, choose different locations in which to run.

Become friends with your teammates. This will help you communicate which in turn will help move the ball down the field quicker and more efficiently. Use hand signals or phrases that the opposing team will not understand, but your friends will know exactly what you are talking about. This secret arsenal will help you successfully win the game.

Learn your passing skills well to succeed at soccer. Use the inside arch of your foot for the most accuracy. For short passes, keep the ball low by hitting it near the center of the ball. For longer passes, with more power, hit the ball lower and follow through fully.

There are all different types of soccer shots, and you should try your best to use a variety of them. It may seem practical for you to use standard shots a lot of the time, but there are other times where it may be necessary to make a chip shot, inside shot, or some other type of shot.

Make sure you keep a combative spirit about your play. You want to show your coach that you have the right attitude in order to help defend and help your team score without giving up. If you desire to have a spot on the main team, this is key to your success.

Many players are plagued by wandering minds. Players should let the past go because it cannot be changed. Instead, players should focus on the current game. If a player is not playing a game, he should be focusing on the future match coming up. This technique will help player focus on the present which will result in a well played game.

You likely now realize that soccer involves much more than you originally thought. In order to become an excellent soccer player, you must be aware of numerous strategies. Because you read this article, you are now educated on these strategies. Use these strategies and try playing soccer yourself. You just may fall in love with the game.